International Relations · 4 Aug 2026

Strait of Hormuz Axis of Resistance

With reference to the current West Asia conflict and its implications for India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supply.
  2. A state-to-state ceasefire between the United States and Iran would, by itself, be sufficient to eliminate the maritime and energy risk to India, since Iran's proxy network operates strictly under direct Iranian state command.
  3. The Houthis have expanded the threat to shipping beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Tests the ability to distinguish state-level diplomatic developments from the deeper, deniable proxy-warfare mechanism that continues to operate independently of them - an analytical rather than recall-based judgement.

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This question is based on: Trump Pauses Iran Strikes as Tehran's Proxies Widen the War - What This Means for India's Oil Bill
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About this question

Why in news

US President Trump has paused fresh strikes on Iran pending a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even as Iran's Axis of Resistance proxies have widened attacks on Gulf oil facilities and shipping.

Why for UPSC

This question tests the deeper analytical distinction the article draws - between state-level diplomacy and deniable proxy warfare - rather than the surface fact of a ceasefire, which is exactly the "layer beneath the headline" UPSC-style questions probe.

Prelims summary

The Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of global oil supply; Iran's Axis of Resistance proxies act with real autonomy, so state-level ceasefires do not eliminate proxy-driven maritime risk; the Houthis now also threaten Bab el-Mandeb.

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